How to: Unpack a DAC Package

Use the Unpack Data-tier Application dialog box to unzip the scripts and files from a data-tier application (DAC) package. The scripts and files are placed in a folder where they can be reviewed before the package is used to deploy the DAC into a production system. The contents of one DAC can also be compared with the contents of another package unpacked to another folder. For more information, see How to: Validate a DAC Package.

We recommend that you do not deploy a DAC package from unknown or untrusted sources. Such DACs could contain malicious code that might execute unintended Transact-SQL code or cause errors by modifying the schema. Before you use a DAC from an unknown or untrusted source, deploy it on an isolated test instance of the Database Engine, unpack the DAC and examine the code, such as stored procedures or other user-defined code.

After unpacking the package, you can examine the file produced by the Unpack Data-tier Application dialog. The dialog box builds the following files in the selected destination folder:

A Transact-SQL script that contains the statements for creating the objects defined in the DAC. The file name is DACName.sql, where DACName is the name of the DAC.

All XML files from the package.

All files from the Extra Files section of the DAC, such as the DAC pre-deployment or post-deployment files.

Use this page to specify the destination folder in which to place the unpacked files, and then run the unpack operation.

Files will be unpacked to this folder: - Specify the full path to the folder for the unpacked files. If the folder exists and you know the full path, type the path in the box. If not, click the Browse button to navigate to a folder or create a new folder.

Browse - Opens the Browse for Folder page where you can choose a folder by navigating the file hierarchy, or create a new folder.